Pioneers embark on roster construction
For the first time since taking over in Warren County, coach Danny Fish will get to experience being the hunter. Over the last four seasons, the Pioneers have been the hunted every night - always a preseason favorite based on the team’s track record of major success. Next year, with replacements needed all across the roster, the Pioneers will have to flip roles.
Coach Fish can’t wait.
“I think we’ll play the underdog role this season and I think that’s exactly what we want. People will be sleeping on us,” said Fish. “We are excited. I think this team has a chance to be good. We have some good pieces - they’re just inexperienced in big moments.”
Warren County is coming off a four-year run under Fish that includes two regular-season district championships, one district tournament championship, three region appearances and the selection of back-to-back MVPs. Both of those guys - Devin Fish and Keyton Reno - are now college bound though, with Fish signing with LaGrange College and Reno heading to Motlow State.
Throw in all-district honorees Corban Felton, Isaiah Robledo and Deashawn Adams, along with key contributors like Carter Simpson and Chance Whitlock, and the Pioneers have big shoes to fill next season.
Coach Fish expects the team’s bond - the Brotherhood built over the last four years - will be a driving force to keep the Pioneers in contention.
“I think their chemistry is what will set them apart. We will not be as explosive, but I think overall we will be well connected,” said Fish.
The Pioneers do have some pieces to rely on going into next year. Guards Luke Simpson, Canaan Parris and Kristopher Robledo all got minutes in the rotation last year, while Maddux Baker is an intriguing scorer on the wing and Eli Davis has the size to man the middle in the future for Warren County.
Fish will know what he has coming back in the upper classes Wednesday, May 20 when the team holds a tryout session for rising 10-12 graders from 3:30-5 p.m. at Charlie Dalton Gym. It will also be the first chance the squad gets to interact with a rebuilt coaching staff from the offseason.
Brent Warren, Dre Litaker and Chris Miller have all stepped away from the program, while Joshua Rubio and Holden Baker have stepped in to be on the sidelines next year. Rubio is expected to work with posts and Baker is looking to help guide upcoming freshmen.
Rising ninth-graders can make the squad when tryouts are held for them Friday, May 22 from 2-4 p.m. Those who make the cut will get a quick introduction into the Brotherhood as Fish has a busy summer ready for the Pioneers.
“We have a 25-game schedule with the guys in June - two weeks of play to evaluate and set the standards,” said Fish.
For more information about tryout dates, reach out to coach Fish at fishd@warrenschools.com.
